I think a big problem is that phycisists in particular and scientists in general like to come up with colorful stories that go along with their work, that have little resemblance to their actual work. They end up telling stories that have nothing to do with the science they are supposedly talking about.
For example, "quantum teleportation" has nothing to do with the common meaning of the word "teleportation", but boy do people love talking and writing about it. The popular articles that are written about them don't tell you anything about what they are actually doing, even if you actually know the theory behind it.
i suspect this is largely driven by pressures to publish in high profile journals, which can tend to take interest in flashy sounding introductions and conclusions.
For example, "quantum teleportation" has nothing to do with the common meaning of the word "teleportation", but boy do people love talking and writing about it. The popular articles that are written about them don't tell you anything about what they are actually doing, even if you actually know the theory behind it.